IES Abroad Film Festival Selects Five Finalists for 3rd Annual Student Film Competition; Fans Encouraged to Vote for their Favorite Entry on Facebook

CHICAGO, Aug. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- IES Abroad, a leading not-for-profit organization providing access to study abroad programs in more than 20 countries and 35 cities around the world has selected five finalists for this year's annual competition of films produced by students participating in IES Abroad study abroad programs around the world.

The finalists were winnowed from a record 70 submissions that celebrate the transformative life-changing experiences made possible by studying abroad. The leading entries were selected by a prestigious jury of screenwriters, writers, producers, directors, and editors, all of whom are either film studies faculty at one of their international locations or alumni of IES Abroad programs. 

The grand prize winner will be selected by the public, who can vote for their favorite through the IES Abroad Facebook page https://contest.fbapp.io/saff2016 until 1 p.m. ET on August 31^st. The winner will receive a $1,500 cash prize and a trip to Chicago for a screening of their film at the IES Abroad Annual Conference on October 7^th in Chicago.  

Whether a 90-second film documenting a "day in the life," or an explanation of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) while studying in London, each video unpacks the unique perspective of a study abroad student's story of personal development and growth.

"These films are a remarkable testament to the amazing power unleashed through the experience of studying abroad," said Dr. Mary M. Dwyer, President and CEO of IES Abroad.  "In an increasingly polarized world, we are proud of IES Abroad's role in helping promote the mutual cultural understanding and education of the next generation of global leaders by facilitating their ability to enrich their education through international study and cultural exchange."

This year's IES Abroad Film Festival finalists include:

• "Even in Europe…" – Jordan Cain (Indiana University, IES Abroad Vienna)
• "FOMO" – Rachel Beavers (University of Georgia, IES Abroad London), Rod Flucas (University of Redlands, IES Abroad London), Courtney Testa (Penn State University, IES Abroad London)
• "I Choose Openness" – Thamine Nayeem (University of Richmond, IES Abroad Rabat)
• "With Love" – Shannon Sotomayor (Brown University, IES Abroad Dublin)
• "Si Sabe Algo" – Paul Holden (Yale University, IES Abroad Salamanca)

About IES Abroad

Founded in 1950, IES Abroad is a global, not-for-profit academic consortium of more than 200 top-tier American colleges and universities that provides premier study abroad and internship programs around the world. With more than 120 study abroad programs in 35 locations worldwide, the organization creates authentic global education opportunities for more than 6,300 students annually. IES Abroad has more than 110,000 alumni who have benefited from studying in IES Abroad programs since its inception.

Contact:
David Pickard
(708) 434-5006
Email 

SOURCE IES Abroad

Related Links

https://www.iesabroad.org